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A little boy, Sosuke, finds a goldfish near his seaside home and names her Ponyo. But Ponyo is a magical being, the daughter of an undersea wizard and the Goddess of the Sea. When Ponyo falls in love with Sosuke, the power of her love transforms her into a little girl. But it also throws Nature out of balance, causing storms and flooding – and only the innocent love of the little boy and magical girl can save the world.

There is nothing negative to concern parents in Ponyo. At one point a mother explains that she has to “make milk” to feed her baby; and there are a few moments showing ferocious storms and flooding, trees being uprooted and objects blown about. But the movie is replete with positive messages: Sosuke’s mother teaches him never to judge others by their appearance, and the importance of keeping his promises. Sosuke takes responsibility for Ponyo and for running the household, and when his mother is disappointed that her merchant mariner husband cannot return home because of his need to work, Sosuke tells her, “I know Dad breaks his promises sometimes, but he does his best for us.” A major subplot involves the mother’s devotion to her job caring for senior citizens at a retirement home, the seniors’ love for Sosuke, and his deeply respectful attitude toward them. And the concluding moral of the picture is the about the importance of loving and accepting others as they are.

Created by the Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli, Ponyo matches its delightful fairy-tale story with a magnificent musical score and an art style reminiscent of the illustrations in a children’s book, showcasing some truly beautiful scenes of the magical undersea world.

Eschewing violent action and hip, with-it in-jokes intended for adults, Ponyo is a sweet and gentle fable perfect for small children – and will be appreciated by parents looking for entertainment free of the hyperactive elements typical of American movies directed at kids. Because of its excellent lessons, low-key mood and charming art and story, the Parents Television Council is proud to award Ponyo with the PTC Seal of Approval^TM. The PTC unreservedly recommends this movie for children over age five.
 

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